Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Swift present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its remarkably light 40g actuation force, providing an incredibly effortless feel that caters to those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. This switch embodies a smooth, responsive typing experience that minimizes finger strain, making it an excellent choice for writers and gamers alike. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, with its slightly heavier 42g actuation force, offers a distinct tactile experience characterized by a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings. Known for its silky smoothness, the Swift is appealing to users looking for a touch of auditory richness in their keystrokes while maintaining a lightweight performance. While both switches offer light actuation forces conducive to fast typing, their sound characteristics and tactile feedback present different advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Swift switches, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Grape Orange boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize an energetic and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects, allowing for vibrant illumination that can enhance the aesthetics of a keyboard setup.
Conversely, the HMX Swift features a nylon top housing, which introduces a contrasting auditory experience. Nylon is characteristically soft and has a sound-dampening effect, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer material absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and mellower auditory feedback. As a result, users who prefer a more subdued and less harsh sound while typing may gravitate towards the Swift, appreciating the nuanced auditory experience that nylon offers. The differences in these top housing materials mean that users will encounter varied tactile and auditory sensations during use.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which creates a uniformity in their sound profiles at the lower end. Both the Grape Orange and the Swift rely on the softer nylon plastic to deliver a deeper, fuller sound during bottom-out strikes, ensuring a consistent tactile sensation regardless of which switch is used. Since the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the impact of the switch's feel and sound when bottomed out, both switches provide that satisfying response. Ultimately, while the Grape Orange and the HMX Swift offer diverse auditory experiences due to their differing top housings, they converge in their bottom housing material, leading to similar characteristics at the point of actuation.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch exhibit similar characteristics regarding their bottom out force, as both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams. However, they differ slightly in their actuation forces: the Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Swift requires a marginally heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Grape Orange the lighter switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, such as typists or gamers who benefit from reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Swift, with its slightly higher actuation force, offers a firmer push that some users might find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches are light and share the same bottom out force, the Grape Orange provides a slightly lighter overall feel compared to the Swift.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times—ideal for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the Swift, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and depth in their key presses. For users who enjoy a rapid and snappy typing experience, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance may feel more responsive, whereas the Swift's greater depth could provide a more satisfying feel for those who favor a less abrupt action. Overall, the choice between these two switches should be guided by personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch offers a relatively neutral auditory experience, primarily characterized by softer, more subdued sounds that make for a pleasant typing atmosphere, particularly suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch stands out with its high-pitched sound signature when activated, producing a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. This distinct auditory quality gives it a more pronounced presence, which may appeal to users looking for a more dynamic sound experience with each keystroke. However, the final sound profile will heavily depend on the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, so users should consider these factors in their setup.
When evaluating the feel of each switch, the Grape Orange is recognized for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, aided by its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This quality facilitates prolonged typing without the discomfort often associated with higher resistance switches. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch combines a light actuation force of 42g with several positive attributes, including a feathery touch and a bouncy rebound that enhances the overall responsiveness during use. The creamy and silky sensations noted in the Swift add to a luxurious typing experience, offering a smooth glide across the keys that promotes comfort during extended sessions.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Swift linear switches cater to users seeking light actuation forces and comfortable typing experiences. While the Grape Orange leans towards a softer and quieter profile, the Swift provides a brighter sound coupled with a rich tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches deliver similar lightness in feel, making them ideal for lengthy typing tasks or gaming sessions. Users may choose based on their preference for sound characteristics and additional tactile sensations, but both options promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. The Grape Orange switch is ideal if you appreciate an ultra-light typing experience with a low actuation force, making it perfect for long hours of typing without fatigue. Its gentle resistance facilitates quick input, particularly beneficial for extended sessions of writing or programming. On the other hand, if you favor a switch that provides a deeper sound profile combined with a silky smoothness, the Swift should be your go-to. Its sound signature may be more suited to those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback when typing, while still offering effortless key presses that minimize finger strain. Ultimately, if you prioritize a vibrant typing experience with responsive plays, the Grape Orange shines, but for a balanced, soothing feel with a satisfying audio nuance, the HMX Swift would serve you well. Select based on whether you value sound or feel more, and both switches can elevate your keyboard experience significantly.
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